Europe and Mediterranean: Greek Isles & Ephesus Voyage

Seabourn®

Piraeus harbor is filled with ferries and cruise ships plying the Greek Islands and the Mediterranean. Athens and its trove of antiquities is just a few miles from the port. Gythion, the small port town for Sparta, edges its way up the hillside, which surrounds the harbor. According to Homer, Paris and Helen spent their first night together here, on a tiny islet in the bay. The ship docks in the center of town, and you are able to wander at will and enjoy the atmosphere of Crete's foremost resort. Kusadasi, which means "bird island," is set in a superb gulf known for its sparkling water, broad sandy beaches and large marina. The town's old quarter is a picturesque maze of winding streets and houses adorned with flowers and birdcages. Cesme is located on a promontory on the tip of a peninsula that carries the same name. The town itself is dominated by the medieval Cesme Castle, while the back streets invite a casual stroll with their old Ottoman and Greek houses that charm passers-by.

All-Inclusive Cruise

  • All onboard gratuities

  • Select complimentary shore excursions**

  • Unlimited beverages, including fine wines and premium spirits served throughout the ship

  • Complimentary dining venues

  • Complimentary in-suite bar

  • Complimentary caviar

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi packages with unlimited minutes

  • Welcome bottle of Champagne

Executive Member Benefit

  • Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,250, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

Digital Costco Shop Card

  • Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Seabourn® sailing†

Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Day 1 Port of Call Athens/Piraeus Departure 5:00pm

Overview

 
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Today Piraeus is the home base of Greek shipping, the largest commercial fleet in the world, apace bound to the sea like few others. The harbors of Zea and Mikrolimano as well as Phaliro play host to countless yachts and sailing craft throughout the year. Piraeus was known in medieval times as Porto Leone, a name due to the enormous stone lion, which guarded the port's entrance. Today, the life of Piraeus is centered on its three ports: the main, central one, and those of Zea and Mikrolimano. You can walk around the central harbor, shared by cargo and passenger ships alike, and watch the constant comings and goings of goods and people from around the world. Having completed your tour of the central harbor of Piraeus you will then head south traversing the peninsula and arriving at Peiraiki, one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the city. Here one finds the harbor of Zea, one of the largest marinas in the Mediterranean. If the night finds you in the area, you can try one of the many bars found nearby. You can continue your tour along the waterfront heading towards Kastella but a small deviation toward the city center will be useful for then you can visit the verdant square of the municipal Theatre with cafeterias and shops of all kinds surrounding it. The magnificent building housing the Municipal Theatre as well as the Town Hall and the Library complete the picture presented by the main square in the city. Piraeus's little natural harbors are among its busiest and most touristy areas: Mikrolimano, Passalimani, Zea, Freatida, and Hatzikiriakio. Countless seaside tavernas provide delicious seafood washed down with the uniquely Greek drink, ouzo. The fresh smell of the sea and the sounds made by the assortment of caiques, yachts, and sailing ships, which are moored next to the tables, complete the enjoyment of the food Beyond the port, the most impressive spots are the hills of Profitis Ilias and Kastela with their neoclassical mansions and modern buildings which look as they are hanging over the sea.

Day 2 Port of Call Gythion Arrival 8:00am Departure 5:00pm

Overview

 
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Gythio is a small seaside town 40 km south of Sparta, in the northeast part of Mani in the South of the Peloponnese, Greece. The permanent residents amount to no more than 2000 but during the summer this number reaches 20000, as tourists from all over the world come to enjoy the beaches and the laid back atmosphere. The main attractions are the beachside cafes serving sun-dried octopus and ouzo, the numerous fishing boats in the harbor, an ancient theatre (where ancient Greek plays take place during the summer), and the tall houses along the beachfront. Just outside the harbor is one of the most scenic parts of the area, the island of Kranae (Marathonisi). The legend has it that when Paris of Troy stole Helen from Sparta he anchored his boat on the island and during his departure forgot his helmet ("Kranos")- hence the name of the little island. The church of "Aghios Petros" and a "tarsands" (small traditional shipyard for fishing vessels) occupy one end of the small (about the size of a football field) island. At the center of the island is the Tzanetaki's tower, (built circa 1700) and even some prehistoric ruins can be seen a few years away.

Day 3 Port of Call Chania/Crete Arrival 8:00am Departure 5:00pm

Overview

 
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This is the largest and most important town of western Crete, with a population of over 60,000 inhabitants. It is situated on the eastern shore of the bay of Chania and is built on the neck of the peninsula, on the site of ancient Kydonia. Chania has, to a large degree, retained its local color. It is one of the loveliest towns in Greece and the many vestiges of its past give it a particular charm. Entire Venetian, Turkish, and Jewish neighborhoods still survive, with well-preserved buildings, while the modern town, continuing to develop, is built according to well-designed plans, with parks and attractive edifices. It differs considerably from the tasteless big towns of today. Chania disposes of a large number of beds in hotels of various categories. There are also pensions and guest houses. There are many restaurants - some of them offering foreign specialties - tavernas, seafood restaurants, "ouzeries", pastry shops, coffee shops, pubs, etc. in every neighborhood and especially in the harbor area, which is lit up by the shop lights in the evenings and sparkles like a fairy-tale town.

Day 4 Port of Call Mykonos Arrival 8:00am Departure 6:00pm

Overview

 
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Mykonos is world-famous. It is no coincidence that this, the most cosmopolitan of all Greek islands, attracts so many visitors from all over the globe, including large numbers of artists and intellectuals. Here, the steep mountains to be encountered in most of the Cyclades give way to low, rocky hills which combine with superb beaches to make up the landscape of the island. The capital, Hora (Chora), with its colourful harbour in which little fishingboats nestle happily side by side with luxury yachts, presents quite a different picture from the majority of Aegean island towns. While it is usual for island villages to be built on naturally amphitheatrical sites, Mykonos is spread out over a flat area and conveys an impression of lid aesthetic cohesion. Along the whitewashed streets stand brilliant white box-shaped houses with stepped walls for sitting on, wooden doors and windows and brightly-coloured balconies. These are interspersed with small but impressive churches, pretty little tavernas and shops selling souvenirs and other goods, and the overall sense is of being inside a film set. On the low Kastro hill is the complex of churches known collectively as Our Lady 'Paraportiani', a superb arrangement of whitewashed masses created over the centuries and now recognised as a national cultural monument. Of particular historical and aesthetic interest are the medieval houses in this district of the town, which stand like a wall above the sea protecting the west side of Hora. The Archaeological Museum of Hora contains finds from tombs on the nearby island of Rhenia, sculptures, vases and figurines. The Folklore Museum brings together a number of collections of furniture, icons, pieces of sculpture and folk musical instruments. Mykonos is also the home of the Nautical Museum of the Aegean, which has interest all of its own. The countryside of Mykonos is a mixture of grey-green rocks ringed by prickly pear plants and little fertile areas carpeted with wild flowers. Here and there are tiny whitewashed chapels and windmills. Ano Mera is, after Hora, the most important of the older villages on the island. Standing 8 km. to the east of the town, Ano Mera has the interesting monastery of Our Lady Tourliani, ornamented with fine wood-carvings. The church has a collection of valuable ecclesiastical vessels, vestments and embroideries. The courtyard contains an interesting bell-tower and a marble fountain. Here lovers of the sea will find outstanding golden beaches such as Agios Stefanos, Psarou, Kalafatis, Platis Gialos, Ornos, Elia and Panormos. Miykonos is a busy island with all the amenities of a modern resort and with plenty to do - by day or night for those who want to have a lively time. Yet visitors fond of more peaceful holidays will still find quiet corners in which to relax.

Day 5 Port of Call Kusadasi Arrival 8:00am Departure 11:00pm

Overview

 
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This seaside resort town has grown immensely in the last 30 years and is especially popular with package holiday-makers from Europe. From a population of 6000 in the 1970s, it is now closer to 50,000, although a high proportion of this is part of the tourist industry and here only for the summer. Many cruising ships traveling around the Aegean Islands stop here, especially because of its proximity (20km) to Selcuk. Kusadasi is a good base to explore this and other ancient cities like Priene and Didyma. Although there is little historical interest in Kusadasi itself, the town is popular predominantly because of its many hotels, restaurants, souvenir and carpet shops, and lively nightlife. The Kale district has some old traditional houses and narrow streets which gives some indication of what the town used to be like. The most famous beach is Kadinlar Plaji, 2.5km south of the town, dominated by huge hotels, and can get very crowded in summer. There are several small beaches further south, and closer to town is Yilanci Burnu, the peninsular.

Day 6 Port of Call Cesme Arrival 8:00am Departure 6:00pm

Overview

 
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Çesme is a Turkish resort town west of Izmir, on the Aegean Sea. Overlooking the harbor is Çesme Castle, a restored military fortress. It now houses the Çesme Archaeology Museum, with displays of marble busts, metal coins, and artifacts from nearby excavations. On the east side of the Çesme peninsula is sandy Ilica Beach, with warm thermal sulfur springs. Around Çesme are clear waters and accessible dive sites.

Day 7 Cruising
Day 8 Port of Call Istanbul Arrival 7:00am

Overview

 
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Istanbul is an international art and cultural center. The International Arts and Cultural Festival is held each year in June and July with famous artists coming from all over the world. These performances are held mostly at the Ataturk Cultural Center. Those who enjoy classical music can hear it at the Cemal Resit Rey Hall. Operas, operettas, ballets, films, concerts, exhibitions, and conferences all contribute to the cultural palette of the city. Istanbul also has a rich program of light entertainment. Nightclubs provide splendid entertainment throughout dinner, ranging from a selection of Turkish songs to belly dancing. Istanbul is a preferred city in terms of international art activities. This is because the art lovers of Istanbul are respectful of the art and the artist. The famous performance artists feel very comfortable in Istanbul concerts. Because the audience is very well aware of "the ritual of watching an artistic performance." The artist knows that he or she will not come across with impudent or disrespectful behaviors. It is the same for international picture galleries, biennials, and visual activities. Neither the spectator nor the critic leaves their "respectful attitude against the artist. " Hence the myths of traditional pop-rock genres, giants of jazz, and contemporary legends of classical Western music are always in Istanbul, on the stage. To sum up; Istanbul is a city that can add compassion next to its giant size in terms of living area and population, and try to assimilate the universal culture while "welcoming" it with utmost hospitality: a "world city" In this case, it deserves to be called "universal culture capital"

Onboard the Seabourn Encore

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Costco Member Reviews

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Seabourn Encore is as strikingly beautiful and as excitingly innovative as any Seabourn has ever debuted. She crowns a fleet of luxury cruise ships that is already the newest, most modern and most acclaimed in the ultra-luxury segment. Modeled on the award-winning trio of ships that came before her, Seabourn Encore represents another welcome stage in the evolution of small ship cruising, which Seabourn pioneered and has consistently expanded and enriched for all of our small ship cruises.

Onboard Activities

Activities & Services (included in cruise)

 

  • Card Room
  • Casino
  • Disco/Nightclub
  • Movies
  • Movies Under the Stars®
  • Theater/Show Lounge
  • Fitness Center
  • Fitness Classes
  • Sauna/Steam Room
  • Educational Programs
  • Guest Lecturers
  • Pool - Outdoor
  • Pool - Indoor/Covered
  • Water Sports Platform
  • Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
  • Business Center
  • Concierge Desk
  • Conference Center
  • Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
  • Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
  • Elevators
  • Infirmary/Medical Center
  • Religious Services
  • Safe Deposit Boxes
  • Self-Service Laundromat
  • Wedding/Vow Renewal

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

Beauty Salon

  • Beauty Salon
  • Full-Service Spa
  • Spa Services/Massage

Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the cruise line without notice. Staterooms designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Dining

The Restaurant

Main Dining

The Restaurant: Come when you like, with whom you please, and be seated as you wish. The room is beautiful, the cuisine is exquisite, and the service is simultaneously flawless, friendly and fun.

The Colonnade

Casual Dining

Coffee Bar: Enjoy a specialty crafted espresso just the way you like it.

Earth & Ocean: Each evening, the skilled chefs create an imaginative array of fresh, inventive dishes—a sophisticated menu celebrating eclectic traditional flavors from around the world, served in a relaxed setting under the stars for a distinctive dining experience unlike any other on board.

Observation Bar: A stunning round lounge with a square bar and panoramic views. Early Risers’ Coffee and Tea is served here every morning, and piano music makes it a great choice for drinks and conversation before and after dinner.

Seabourn Square: Whether you're looking for a place to enjoy your newspaper in the morning or want to socialize with your fellow passengers, Seabourn Square is what you're looking for. This inviting lounge offers plush seating, cocktail tables, a library, computer terminals, a coffee bar, and Guest Services staff.

Solis: Offering light, modern Mediterranean cuisine bursting with color and character, prepared fresh and entirely from scratch.​

The Club: Open for afternoon tea then transforms into a dance club in the evening. Socialize while enjoying cocktails, live music, and great company.

The Colonnade: The more casual, indoor/outdoor alternative features an open kitchen, lavish buffets or table service for breakfasts and lunch, and serves regionally themed, bistro-style dinners with table service nightly.

The Patio: Relaxed poolside dining offering luncheon buffets, salads, soups, grilled specialties and freshly baked pizza. Dinners feature a full menu in an alfresco setting.

Sky Bar: A place to enjoy a refreshing tropical beverage during the day, or an evening cocktail under the stars.

Sushi: Seabourn researched ingredients and developed a menu that is an ideal blend of authenticity to maintain the root of the cuisine and a twist of Seabourn’s culinary expertise. The sushi concept is a modern line that is steeped in tradition and uses some of the finest ingredients. Hamachi, tuna, shrimp and other fresh fish products will be shipped from Japan to Sushi and served à la carte for dinner. The menu features caviar and small plates, along with a selection of maki rolls, sushi and sashimi, and salads.

In-Suite Dining: A varied menu available around the clock for service in your suite. You may also order dinner from The Restaurant menu and have your meal served, course by course, in your suite or on your veranda.


Times, costs and other specifics are outside the control of Costco Travel. All information is at the sole discretion of the cruise line and is subject to change without notice. Dining time and table size preferences are submitted to the cruise line on a first-come, first-served request basis and are confirmed aboard ship. Questions, concerns and/or special needs regarding dining arrangements must be addressed with the maitre d' hotel aboard ship. Every effort is made to accommodate travelers' preferences; however, Costco Travel cannot guarantee dining arrangements. In specialty restaurants, space is limited and reservations are recommended. A cover charge and dress code may apply.

Staterooms

All Veranda Suites feature a full-length window and glass door to private veranda, comfortable living area, queen-size bed or two twin beds, dining table for two, walk-in closet, interactive flat-screen television with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.

  • Veranda Suite (Category: V4)

    Category: V4
    All Veranda Suites feature a full-length window and glass door to private veranda, comfortable living area, queen-size bed or two twin beds, dining table for two, walk-in closet, interactive flat-screen television with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.

  • Veranda Suite (Category: V3)

    Category: V3
    All Veranda Suites feature a full-length window and glass door to private veranda, comfortable living area, queen-size bed or two twin beds, dining table for two, walk-in closet, interactive flat-screen television with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.

  • Veranda Suite (Category: V2)

    Category: V2
    All Veranda Suites feature a full-length window and glass door to private veranda, comfortable living area, queen-size bed or two twin beds, dining table for two, walk-in closet, interactive flat-screen television with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.

  • Veranda Suite (Category: V1)

    Category: V1
    All Veranda Suites feature a full-length window and glass door to private veranda, comfortable living area, queen-size bed or two twin beds, dining table for two, walk-in closet, interactive flat-screen television with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.

  • Guarantee - Suite (Category: SV)

    Category: SV
    This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

  • Interline Guarantee Rate - Balcony (Category: RB)

    Category: RB
    This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

  • Guarantee - Balcony (Category: OB)

    Category: OB
    This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

All Penthouse Suites on board feature a comfortable living area, glass door to private veranda, queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet with personal safe, two flat-screen TV with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, writing desk with personalized stationary, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers hair dryer and 110/220V AC outlets.

  • Grand Suite (Category: GR)

    Category: GR
    Suites on board feature a comfortable living area, private veranda, queen-size-bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet with personal safe, interactive flat-screen TV with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, writing desk with personalized stationary, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, hair dryer, and 110/220V AC outlets.

  • Wintergarden Suite (Category: WG)

    Category: WG
    Suites on board feature a comfortable living area, private veranda, queen-size-bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet with personal safe, interactive flat-screen TV with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, writing desk with personalized stationary, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, hair dryer, and 110/220V AC outlets.

  • Signature Suite (Category: SS)

    Category: SS
    Suites on board feature a comfortable living area, private veranda, queen-size-bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet with personal safe, interactive flat-screen TV with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, writing desk with personalized stationary, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, hair dryer, and 110/220V AC outlets.

  • Owner's Suite (Category: O2)

    Category: O2
    Suites on board feature a comfortable living area, private veranda, queen-size-bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet with personal safe, interactive flat-screen TV with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, writing desk with personalized stationary, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, hair dryer, and 110/220V AC outlets.

  • Owner's Suite (Category: O1)

    Category: O1
    Suites on board feature a comfortable living area, private veranda, queen-size-bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet with personal safe, interactive flat-screen TV with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, writing desk with personalized stationary, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, hair dryer, and 110/220V AC outlets.

  • Penthouse Spa Suite (Category: PS)

    Category: PS
    All Penthouse Suites on board feature a comfortable living area, glass door to private veranda, queen-size-bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet with personal safe, two flat-screen TV with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, writing desk with personalized stationary, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, hair dryer, and 110/220V AC outlets.

  • Penthouse Suite (Category: PH)

    Category: PH
    All Penthouse Suites on board feature a comfortable living area, glass door to private veranda, queen-size-bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet with personal safe, two flat-screen TV with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, writing desk with personalized stationary, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, hair dryer, and 110/220V AC outlets.

  • Penthouse Guarantee (Category: PG)

    Category: PG
    This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Deck Plan

Cruise Ship
Deck 12
Key to Symbols
SymbolDescription
Subject to noise when anchoring; has all-metal veranda railings, limiting the viewSubject to noise when anchoring; has all-metal veranda railings, limiting the view
Wheelchair accessible suite, roll-in shower only, wheelchair-accessible doorwaysWheelchair accessible suite, roll-in shower only, wheelchair-accessible doorways
ElevatorElevator
The veranda railings on Deck 5 are part metal and part glass from floor to teak rail; suites on Deck 5 have slightly larger verandasThe veranda railings on Deck 5 are part metal and part glass from floor to teak rail; suites on Deck 5 have slightly larger verandas
Third guest capacity suiteThird guest capacity suite
Shower onlyShower only
Obstructed port side view with larger veranda overlooking the center poolObstructed port side view with larger veranda overlooking the center pool
Veranda railings are part metal and part glass; the forward half of the railing is metal and aft half is glass with teak railVeranda railings are part metal and part glass; the forward half of the railing is metal and aft half is glass with teak rail

Ship Facts

Seabourn Encore ship image
  • Ship Name: Seabourn Encore
  • Year Built: 2016
  • Year Entered Present Fleet: 2016
  • Ship Class: E
  • Maximum Capacity: 600
  • Number of Passenger Decks: 10
  • Number of Crew: 395
  • Officers' Nationality: International
  • Ocean-View with Balcony: 262
  • Tonnage (GRT): 43,000
  • Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 600
  • Country of Registry: The Bahamas
  • Total Staterooms: 300
  • Suites with Balcony: 38
  • Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International
Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the hotel, resort or cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the provider without notice. Hotels, resorts, ships or accommodations designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Available Dates & Prices

Departure Date

Inside Stateroom

Ocean View Stateroom

Balcony Stateroom

Suite Stateroom

Departure Date - 10/19/2025

Inside Stateroom

N/A

Ocean View Stateroom

N/A

Balcony Stateroom

$4,479

Suite Stateroom

$6,399

Terms & Conditions

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy, is valid for select stateroom categories only, and does include government taxes/fees and gratuities. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

**Select complimentary shore excursions are for full-fare guests only, capacity controlled and subject to availability. Shore excursion reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note, available excursions vary by sailing date and day of the week. Government fees and taxes are included. Requested excursions may not be available at time of booking. Supplement will apply on Ventures by Seabourn®, optional shore excursions. Restrictions apply and penalties apply 36 hours prior to shore excursion start date.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

Ship's registry: The Bahamas

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    Package ID: SBNENCEUR20251019